Interpool

Indeed, with help of experienced professionals one can "do it themselves." While very few, some dealers will let you share in the work to save $$ (which is typically the primary goal) on a project. Rob got it right, it takes more than one installation to get it down. Like anything, it involves risk. Simply put if a do it your selfer gets in over their head, a dealer during the busy season, simply wouldn't offer their services to fix your problem. Look at it this way, if you put your pool out of level, your waterline will show the error. Is it worth the potential savings? Only if your skill set is well above average. Not everything is a dot com based "deal."

I am a big fan of any type of bench/seat/lounge. No matter preformed or liner over steel, they make for a great spot to simply rest while the kids play. That's been my finding. With a inlet/return fitting pushing water into the seat area, well that's yet another bonus. Good luck with your decision.

I have a steel step and steel bench...both with decent foam under the liner. No problems. Do keep the chemistry in control (algae can make anything slipperier). Steel steps can make the overall pool perimeter look a bit more natural. Enjoy.

Odessey is the only one that would fit the bill. Not all folks carry them, yet its just what you describe. No matter what, at 40' nothing short of commerical reels really hold up.

Jeff...say it's not so! Long live steel! My best to you though!

DE=Diatomaceousus Earth Media for filtration (skeletons of microscopic water plants called diatoms made up of almost pure silica).

Generally speaking, the extreme sun in the West simply makes for one delicate installation on a steel wall liner pool (panels take the heat). It has been done in AZ, and there is no reason it should not work for you. Just take care regarding the sun concentrating on and off of the walls prior to the liner going up. Good luck (PS, every liner pool typically has 6" of liner that is always above the waterline and is fully exposed to the sun in every part of the country...those 6" give you the comfort of knowing the sun does not ruin every liner (save over time))

Entirely depends on your soil conditions. If you are in Southern Florida, a Polymer (or stainless steel pool) makes sense. Polymer is largely marketing driven, and like anything if your dealer is skilled in a specific line, you should be happy. In general, steel provides a richer variety of shapes (Polymer mfg. limited to whatever shapes they can create from a somewhat limited line of expensive molds for each panel). Either way, enjoy your pool!

Fiberglass stair rods, and stainless clips indeed keep the liner in place. Double check your dealer's liner company has a good history of properly fitting inside steps and benches. You cannot beat the look, and that's where the adults tend to stay. My pool has both an inside steel step (9' radius) and steel bench (6' radius), and I am quite happy with both.

Concur, provided ground water conditions (when they exist) are taken care of, a steel pool will go on and on! Plus, they are unlimited in shape and inside step bench considerations. Go with a dealer you trust, that is key!